Customer Care |
WHO CAN RENT A VEHICLE?
Anyone who has had a valid driver’s license for at least two years. A ‘young driver’ surcharge is levied for renters under the age of 23 years old.
WHAT IS AN ADDITIONAL DRIVER?
Only the person who signed the rental agreement is authorised to drive the vehicle unless a second driver is listed on the rental agreement. An additional driver surcharge is levied to cover the renter’s liability.
WHAT ARE WAIVERS?
Waivers are not insurance. It is a legal, compulsory agreement between the rental company and the renter which generally limits the claim against a renter in the event of loss of or damage to the vehicle.
The two waiver options are:
- Standard Waiver: the customer is responsible for a limited liability amount in case of damage or loss. As the cost for a daily standard waiver is lower the liability payable for any damage or loss is higher.
- Super Waiver: the customer will also be responsible for a limited liability amount for any damage or loss, but as the cost for a daily super waiver is higher, the liability amount payable for any damage or loss is lower.
Waivers are not honoured by car rental companies in the case of negligence, meaning the customer would be held liable for the full amount of damage (and not just the excess). Examples of this would be to allow an unauthorised person to drive the vehicle, accident due to excessive alcohol consumption or the vehicle being stolen when it was left unlocked. It is advisable to treat a rented vehicle as if it is your own.
WHAT ARE THE PAYMENT OPTIONS?
Vehicle renters must have a valid credit card or a South African debit card if they are not travelling on a company account / bill –back voucher from a travel agency. This enables a holding deposit by car rental companies in the event of any loss or damage to the vehicle. Once the vehicle is returned, a credit card refund takes place within three working days less the invoice amount. If a customer has paid with a debit card, he / she would have had to supply the rental agent with their banking details in order to affect the refund, which occurs within the same timeframe. The refunds are subject to the standard rental T&C’s, provided there is no damage. The cardholder should have available funds for the rental deposit which would vary by the vehicle type of duration of rental.
It is important for the customer to be aware that required rental deposits on debit cards are higher than those on credit cards.
CAN ONE PERSON DRIVE AND ANOTHER PERSON PAY?
The person who reserved the vehicle (primary driver) must sign the rental agreement and pay with their credit or debit card. Bank rules do not allow a card holder to transfer the use of their card to another person, no matter who they are.
HOW DO I CHOOSE A SUITABLE VEHICLE GROUP?
Vehicles are grouped by features and specifications. Choosing a vehicle group will vary according to the customer’s personal requirements. Here are some suggested considerations when making a choice:
- Price range – according to intended spend
- Climate – is an air conditioner required?
- Conditions – would the vehicle be entering rough terrain?
- Safety – are ABS brakes required?
- Size – how many people and how much luggage?
Rental vehicle groups consist of a number of vehicle brands that have models with similar features, e.g. Hyundai i20 hatchback, Renault Sandero , Polo Trendline, Nissan Tiida are all listed in the Group B hatch back category. A specific vehicle can be requested however it cannot be guaranteed.
WHAT IS PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) is optional. It is offered at a nominal fee and covers the driver and occupants collectively in the event of an accident. Europcar sells this product on behalf of Regent Insurance. T&C’s apply.
WHAT IS BAGGAGE INSURANCE
Baggage Insurance (PBI) is also an optional cover that is offered at a nominal fee and covers the driver’s baggage whilst in the rented vehicle. T&C’s apply.
HOW IS THE DAILY RENTAL CHARGED?
Daily rental charges are calculated in cycles of 24 hours. If a rental vehicle is collected at 9am on Monday and dropped back at 10am on Tuesday, the rental period is 2 days.
HOW IS FUEL / PETROL CHARGED?
Rental vehicles are supplied with a full tank of fuel which is topped up to the maximum. There are two options when returning the vehicle. The customer can fill it up or return it at any fuel level and Europcar will fill it. If the fuel gauge shows full when the vehicle is dropped back, Europcar will still top up to the brim. All refills are charged at the Government legislated fuel price, and no admin fee is levied. Fuel consumption is billed from depot to depot (vehicle turnaround facility) and not from branch to branch.
HOW ARE ‘KILOMETERS DRIVEN’ CHARGED?
The rental rate you have chosen may include a specified amount of free kilometers per day. For example; if you get a rate with 200km’s free per day and you drive 250 kms, you will be charged the ‘per km rate’ for the extra 50km’s only. The per kilometer rate varies depending on the vehicle type.
WHAT IS THE AIRPORT SURCHARGE?
These charges are applicable to all car rental transactions in South Africa. An Airport Surcharge is levied on the daily rental rate of any rental vehicle collected and returned to any of South Africa’s state airports. This fee is paid over to the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA).
WHAT IS THE TOURISM LEVY?
A compulsory Tourism Levy of 1% on the daily rental rate is paid to TOMSA (Tourism Marketing Levy for South Africa). The funds are used to promote and develop tourism in South Africa.
CAN A VEHICLE BE TAKEN ACROSS THE BORDER?
Certain vehicles may enter neighboring South African countries, but over-border rules apply and fees are applicable. Cross-border travel intention must be reported prior to rental to ensure the required documentation is drawn up by the car rental company and submitted to the customer for display at the border.
WHAT OTHER ADDITIONAL CHARGES COULD BE LEVIED?
Generally, the document administration fee is excluded from the daily rate and will be charged for separately. Some other additional charges to be aware of are:
- A one-way charge. This is levied for rentals terminating at a different branch to the collection branch if the two branches are over 150kms apart.
- Delivery and/or collection fee. This is levied if the vehicle must be delivered or collected to or from the customer.
- Limited Liability – in the event of damage to or loss of the vehicle, the renter will be charged the excess amount as per the T&C’s.
- Child seat rentals – for children up to seven years old. Customers must specify the child’s age and weight so the correct seat can be provided.
- GPS rentals
- A traffic fine administration fee. The traffic fine will be redirected to you with an admin fee.
WHAT IS INCLUDED AND EXCLUDED FROM THE RATE?
The customer’s reservation confirmation will detail the items that are included in the rate. It is important to always understand upfront what the rate includes and what you are further liable for.
VEHICLES INSPECTION
All Europcar vehicles are inspected prior to customer collection and then again when the vehicle is returned. An inspection form is filled out which documents kilometers travelled and any damage to the vehicle (if applicable). A copy of the inspection form is always left in the vehicle’s glove compartment / cubby hole for the next customer to verify. Any additional damage found on the vehicle, on its return, will be invoiced to the renter.
EXTENDING THE RENTAL PERIOD
If a customer intends to extend the length of the rental period, it is imperative advise the rental company to remain covered by the waivers.
WHAT PROCESS DO I FOLLOW IF I DAMAGE A RENTAL VEHICLE ?
An accidents or theft must be reported to Europcar and to the SAPS within 48 hours. The customer can contact the Europcar call centre to arrange for towing if needed as our vehicles may not be towed by any other party other than the AA or authorised subcontractor through the AA, arranged by Europcar. The renter will be required to complete a motor incident report, with comprehensive details regarding the incident, including all details of a third party involved if applicable. Minor damage to the vehicle must be reported to Europcar when the vehicle is dropped off.
The vehicle will be sent to an approved panel beater/ dealer workshop for assessment and repairs. Upon completion of claim, the renter will be invoiced according to the excess liability contracted to, as well as a claim administration fee. Additional fees such as towing and assessment fees may also be levied. Payment will be the one stipulated at the start of the rental.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET A TRAFFIC FINE WHILST ON RENT?
In the event of a traffic violation on rent, the fine will be issued to Europcar. Upon receipt of the traffic fine, Europcar will redirect such traffic fine to the renter. A traffic fine administration fee of R190.00 will be levied. The relevant traffic metro will re-issue traffic fine to renter, who remains liable for payment thereof. Please be advised that traffic fines are sometimes received months after the original incident.
In the event of a spot fine, renter is obliged to return the traffic fine to Europcar. Alternatively, the renter may settle traffic fine directly with the relevant traffic authority. Proof of this payment should be safeguarded by renter to avoid any late administration fees levied.
